Living Your Sparked Second Half

Making Up For Lost Time After Conquering A Lifelong Struggle With Alcoholism, with Maria Leonard Olsen

Today’s guest, Maria Leonard Olsen, shares her captivating life story. A woman of immense talent and ambition, Maria is a lawyer, journalist, author, and devoted mother to two wonderful children. She is also a podcaster and mentor to women in recovery.

Maria's dedication to philanthropy is evident through her involvement in various boards, including those of Children's National Medical Center BOV, the Catholic Coalition for Special Education, GirlsUp, and the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Washington. However, one of her most notable things we talked about in this episode is her journey as a recovering alcoholic.

In this episode, Maria shares:

• Overcoming alcoholism and her gradual emergence from depression
• Her life-affirming journey that led to her helping other women in recovery
• Valuable life lessons she learned about courage, trusting yourself and being intentional
• Finding her true self and how that opened up a more passion-filled and purposeful life.

Maria's commitment to empowerment extends beyond her writing—she leads writing and empowerment retreats for women and co-hosts the "Inside Out" radio show on WPFW-fm, 89.3, in Washington, D.C. Furthermore, she hosts the "Becoming Your Best Version" podcast, sharing wisdom and insights to inspire personal growth and self-discovery.

Her latest book, "50 After 50—Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life," offers invaluable insights and perspectives on navigating the later stages of life with purpose and enthusiasm. Maria's passion for sharing her experiences and knowledge has led her to speak at numerous events, including TEDx CUNY in 2021, where she discussed "Using Life’s Challenges as a Force for Good."

Other ways to find and connect with Maria are:

Website: http://www.marialeonardolsen.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fiftyafter50/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FiftyAfter50/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marialeonardolsen 

Becoming Your Best Version Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/becoming-your-best-version/id1562910379

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to (or follow) the podcast (if you haven't already) so you don't miss any new episodes.

You can also sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me at lauriewright@notyouraveragegrandma.com  or send a message using any of the sites below:


Website: www.notyouraveragegrandma.com 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LaurieColvinWright 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/not_your_average_grandma 

YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma       

 

Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Who Are You Really? (A Happier Life Begins With This Question)

EP365: In today's episode I start with a simple question: Who are you really?

It might appear simple on the surface but it's meant to get you thinking about how you are showing up in the world. Are you hiding the real you, playing the roles taking the actions of the person you think you should be - to fit in, to get along, or to be accepted and valued?

If you're not sure, I share in this episode how you can tell so listen in and see what resonates most. I talk about the two versions of the "current you": the one in self denial and the one that is self actualized.

I also talk about the "future you" and how important it is to know that no matter what version of the "current you" is showing up today, you have a choice in who you show up as tomorrow. You can rediscover the real you by breaking the habits that have become so ingrained in you from doing them for so long that you are operating subconsciously.

That means most of us aren't even aware we are walking around as fake versions of ourselves! Yikes!

So it's time to find the real you, the OG version, the one who's been lost along the road of life, because the path to true happiness can't be found until you find her.

And there's no better time to start than now!

Some suggestions for next steps are:

• Read the book "Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life" by Brian Tracy
• Read the book "Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself" by Joe Dispenza
• Attend my upcoming free training "Ignite Your Second Half Soul! (CLICK HERE to sign up now!)

If you enjoyed today’s topic, don't forget to hit that review button and subscribe so you never miss out on our future episodes!

You can sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me or send a message using any of the sites below:


Website: www.notyouraveragegrandma.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LaurieColvinWright
Instagram: www.instagram.com/not_your_average_grandma
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma      

 

Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

From Depressed to Intuitively Driven After Learning and Applying a New Mindset, with Laura Strachan

EP364: Today’s guest, Laura Strachan, is someone I met 3 years ago when she joined a free training I did on Facebook, because she was so depressed she couldn’t get out of bed. Fortunately she took action that day and signed up for my training which changed her life.

I asked Laura to join me on my podcast today because we recently met in-person at my retreat and I was reminded of how she not only learned new mindset habits that gave her guidance and direction of purpose but how she continues to grow and explore new opportunities that unfold and challenge her. She is a master at continually to expand outside of her comfort zone.

I asked Laura to share her most recent breakthroughs, new lessons learned from the retreat experience and her tips on how she continues to shine her positive light on the world and gets divine guidance on the purpose-driven second half she’s created.

We dive into the importance of embracing change and not settling for complacency in life. Laura also recounts her own life-changing journey, emphasizing the significance of small actions and being open to unexpected opportunities, ultimately showcasing the incredible impact of micro-changes and being of service to others.

In this episode, Laura shares:

• How she opens herself up to opportunities by following and listening to her intuition
• Why the retreat environment was key to her receiving the guidance she needed and how to create that environment in the busy world we live in
• The one tool she uses that helps her shift her negative and fear-based thinking into more helpful thoughts
• The importance of finding mentors and cultivating relationships with like-minded people who are on similar journeys

Laura shares her transformative journey of the past 3 years and her latest exciting news about what she’s doing as well as a big trip she and I have planned to go on next year. Today she is a completely different person than the one I met. Her story is a testament that you can change your life in a moment by one small action. 

Listen in and be inspired by Laura to take action on making your second half one of positivity, connection, and trust in the divine guidance that is there just waiting for you to get quiet, tune in, and hear it. 

Click on the following link to listen to the previous episode (185) that covers Laura’s initial transformation, including her cancer journey and butterfly story: A Simple, Inspired Action Led To A Transformed Life with Laura Strachan

Books she mentioned:

10% Happier by Dan Harris

Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself

If you enjoyed today’s topic, don't forget to hit that review button and subscribe so you never miss out on our future episodes!

You can sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me or send a message using any of the sites below:


Website: www.notyouraveragegrandma.com 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LaurieColvinWright 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/not_your_average_grandma 

YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma       

 

Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Sedona’s Lessons: 5 Things I Learned at my Retreat

In today's episode, I'll be sharing some incredible insights that I gained from my recent retreat in Sedona, Arizona. This event was about stepping outside of my comfort zone to bring a long-held dream into my reality and fostering an environment for the participants so they could get profound insights and experience the pure magic of bonding with others who also desire a transformative experience. 

In this episode, I discuss:

• Why it's so important to expose yourself to opportunities for self discovery and personal growth.
• The incredible power of releasing control and surrendering to the guidance of the universe.
• The feeling of “flow” that comes when you align with your most authentic self, get present, and focus on an activity you love.
• Why finding the right environment and activities that allow amazing "aha" moments and profound breakthroughs to be received from the universe is key.
• The transformative impact of connecting with like-minded souls who share similar values and goals.

So, join me on this journey of self-discovery and growth for me as well as the others who participated. Get inspired to take action that will guide you further down your own personal development path. 

If you enjoyed today’s topic, don't forget to hit that review button and subscribe so you never miss out on our future episodes!

You can sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me or send a message using any of the sites below:


Website: www.notyouraveragegrandma.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LaurieColvinWright
Instagram: www.instagram.com/not_your_average_grandma
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma      

 

Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Embracing Change - A Conversation with My Two Adult Daughters

EP362: In today’s episode, I dive deep into one of life's most constant companions: change. I'm joined by my two amazing daughters, Nikki and Kori, for a heartfelt conversation about navigating life's twists and turns. Together, they share their personal experiences dealing with some big life transitions, discussing everything from career changes to parenting decisions.

Here's what we covered:

• Our personal journeys through some significant life changes, including relocating to new cities and making career shifts.
• The world of parenting and the challenges and decisions that come with guiding our children through change.
• The shifting perspectives on mental health across generations and the importance of therapy as a vital support system for handling life's changes.
• How change, while often challenging, can lead to personal growth, valuable lessons, and newfound strengths.
• The importance of trusting your instincts during times of change and the value of limiting external feedback.

Join us for this candid conversation about change, how it impacts our lives, and the inner strength we discover when we embrace it. You'll see that navigating life's transitions can lead to personal growth and resilience.

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave a review and subscribe to the podcast. It helps us keep the conversation going.

You can also sign up for my newsletter on my website, or connect with me through the following platforms:

Website: www.notyouraveragegrandma.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LaurieColvinWright
Instagram: www.instagram.com/not_your_average_grandma
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma

 

Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

My 5 Tips on Navigating Unwanted Change

EP361: In today’s episode, I want to delve into a topic we all encounter at some point in our lives – unwanted change. Life doesn't always go as planned, and sometimes, we find ourselves facing circumstances we didn't choose. But as I've learned from my own experiences, these unexpected turns are usually a gift once we get past the profound discomfort - the feelings of hurt, confusion, or rejection - that often comes with unwanted change..

In this episode, I discuss:

• The power of maintaining a positive outlook when facing unwanted change.
• The importance of appreciating the good things in your life, even in difficult times.
• The value of taking proactive steps and making decisions during periods of uncertainty.
• The benefits of finding moments of silence and using your time wisely for reflection and personal growth.
• The significance of having faith in yourself and embracing change as an opportunity for growth.

This episode is a reminder that unwanted change, although challenging, can be a stepping stone to a better future. Embrace it, have faith in the process, and trust in your ability to adapt. Remember, life's unexpected twists can lead to profound personal expansion and growth.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss any new episodes.

You can also sign up for my newsletter on my website, or connect with me through the following platforms:

Website: www.notyouraveragegrandma.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LaurieColvinWright
Instagram: www.instagram.com/not_your_average_grandma
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma

 

Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Choosing A Different Path When The One You’re On Isn’t Right for You, with Lynne Golodner

My guest today is Lynne Golodner, an author, writing coach, marketing entrepreneur, and host of the Make Meaning Podcast. She resides in Detroit, MI with her husband and four young adult children. In midlife, she passionately pursues her dreams, helping writers find their voices and the confidence to take their writing seriously. Her life in midlife revolves around her values and priorities: writing daily, self-publishing books, connecting with nature, and extensive travel.

In this episode, we delve into Lynne Golodner's remarkable journey, from journalism to entrepreneurship, and her latest book, "Woman of Valor." Lynne shares her experiences as a single mother of three, building a thriving business, and the pivotal moments that shaped her path. Her insights on faith, independence, and embracing one's true calling are both inspiring and empowering. Join us for a heartfelt conversation about midlife, pursuing your passions, and making a meaningful impact.

Episode Highlights:

• Lynne's journey including her difficult decision to leave a life she had intentionally chosen because she found it didn’t align with who she was and what she wanted.
• Navigating life as a single mother of three while building a successful business.
• Insights into her latest book, "Woman of Valor," exploring faith, independence, and Orthodox Judaism.

Other ways to find and connect with Lynne are:

Website: lynnegolodner.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/lynnegolodner

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LynneGolo

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to (or follow) the podcast (if you haven't already) so you don't miss any new episodes.

You can also sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me at lauriewright@notyouraveragegrandma.com or send a message using any of the sites below:


Website: www.notyouraveragegrandma.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LaurieColvinWright

Instagram: www.instagram.com/not_your_average_grandma

YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma      

 

Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Why Changing Your Mind Can Lead to Happiness

In this thought-provoking episode, I delve into the importance of being open to changing our minds. Tune in as I discuss the guilt and resistance often accompanying decisions to change, emphasizing that embracing change can lead to personal growth and happiness.

In this episode, I highlight:

• The value of changing your mind when presented with new knowledge or shifting circumstances.
• The difference between leading from the heart and the small-minded ego.
• Some examples from my life, like changing my mind about a past relationship and a job I held for years.
• The importance of self-reflection and recognizing when a decision no longer serves you.

I encourage you to question your decisions and beliefs. Embrace change when it aligns with your heart's desires and personal growth. Remember that changing your mind signifies openness and a path to a more fulfilling life.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to (or follow) the podcast (if you haven't already) so you don't miss any new episodes.

You can sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me or send a message using any of the sites below:

Website: www.notyouraveragegrandma.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LaurieColvinWright

Instagram: www.instagram.com/not_your_average_grandma

YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma

 

Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

From Grief to Growth: Embracing Change with Debbie Weiss

Today’s guest is Debbie Weiss, an author, memoirist, and yoga instructor. Debbie shares her story of an unexpected second half that began with the loss of her high school sweetheart and husband of 32 years, her subsequent grief, and being forced into reinventing a new life. 

She talks about her experiences in navigating the online dating world as a midlife widow, finding new passions, like her love of writing, and learning how to survive and thrive in her new reality. .

In this episode:

• Debbie courageously shares her experiences as a midlife widow re-entering the dating world after her husband's passing, emphasizing the importance of seeking connections during times of loneliness.
• Discover how yoga became a pivotal part of Debbie's healing and growth journey, leading her to become a certified yoga instructor and explore new passions.
• Dive into the lessons from Debbie's memoir, "Available As Is: A Midlife Widow's Search For Love," which delves into adapting to a new life she didn’t choose, the strength she found within herself, and finding new love in her 50s.

Debbie's inspiring journey from grief to transformation sheds light on the power of resilience, self-discovery, and embracing change in the second half of life. Her experiences and insights offer a guide to those navigating their own paths of healing and reinvention.

Other ways to find and connect with Debbie are:

Website: debbieweissauthor.com

​​If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to (or follow) the podcast (if you haven't already) so you don't miss any new episodes.

You can sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me or send a message using any of the sites below:

Website: www.notyouraveragegrandma.com       

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LaurieColvinWright      

Instagram: www.instagram.com/not_your_average_grandma        

YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma         

 

Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Choosing Faith Over Fear on an Epic Adventure

EP357: In this episode, we're diving into a thrilling adventure that takes us through the lush landscapes of Scotland. I recount an adventure from my recent trip, where I faced the unknown and took on an exhilarating mountain biking excursion. 

Key Takeaways:

• Choosing faith over fear can lead to magical and enriching experiences.
• The magic of life often lies outside our comfort zones.
• Recognizing the difference between fear from the head and fear from the heart.
• Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
• Believing in your capabilities can build confidence and shape your reality.

This journey is a tale of overcoming fear, embracing faith, and discovering the unexpected magic that lies beyond our comfort zones.

If you learned something from this episode, please leave a review and let me know how it helped you. And so you don't miss any upcoming episodes, make sure you are subscribed to the podcast.

Also, you can sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me or send a message using any of the sites below:



Website: notyouraveragegrandma.com    
Facebook: facebook.com/LaurieColvinWright   
Instagram: instagram.com/not_your_average_grandma  
Youtube: youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma     

 

Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.